The relationship between gratitude and presenteeism among workers: a cross-sectional study
Hotaka Tsukada1, Daisuke Hori2,3, Yu Komase4
1Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
Nagoya Journal of Medical Science
|October 27, 2025
Summary
Higher trait gratitude and expressing gratitude at work are linked to reduced presenteeism (working while unwell). This suggests gratitude may be a protective factor against productivity loss due to health issues in employees.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Background:
- Presenteeism, working while unwell, is a significant source of productivity loss and health-related costs in the workforce.
- Mental disorders are primary contributors to presenteeism, highlighting the need for psychological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between trait gratitude and gratitude expression with presenteeism among workers.
- To determine if positive psychological factors like gratitude can mitigate presenteeism.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 with workers in Tsukuba City.
- Data were collected using the Single-item Presenteeism Question and the Gratitude at Work Scale.
- Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between gratitude and presenteeism.
Main Results:
- Higher trait gratitude was significantly associated with lower levels of presenteeism (standardized coefficient, -0.203; p < 0.001).
- A higher frequency of gratitude expression was also significantly associated with lower presenteeism (standardized coefficient, -0.048; p = 0.016).
Conclusions:
- Both trait gratitude and the frequency of expressing gratitude are linked to reduced presenteeism in the workplace.
- While the association is confirmed, further longitudinal research is required to establish a direct causal relationship between gratitude and reduced presenteeism.
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